Ash’s eyes widened as they approached the royal palace. 

It looked even more magnificent from up close. Its four towers stood tall above the cliff, rising gracefully above both the town and the shimmering sea below. Pointy roofs made of emerald green tiles and adorned with a golden arrow covered each of them. Roofless bridges with brass railings connected the towers and high colorful windows covered most of the round-shaped glistening walls. 

The edifice had a surreal look that seemed straight out of a fairy tale book.

She and Nessia followed the messengers to an imposing arch with high gates that were made of silver and bronze. Exquisite sceneries, characters, and animals were carved on them. 

The two guards standing on each side of the entrance—a man and a woman—dipped when they saw them. 

There are female guards too, that’s neat, she thought. 

They both wore shiny steel and brass plate armor that covered almost their entire body. They held a long blue shield in one hand, and a spear that was as high as themselves in the other. They pushed the heavy doors open and let them through. 

If the exterior of the palace was already breathtaking, stepping into the wide hall beyond was even more astonishing. The walls, ceiling, and floor were white stone that looked brighter than marble. Etched columns and arches created pathways along airy hallways to their left, right, and center. 

Ash glanced down at the golden inscriptions that were inset into the spotless floor in the shape of circles that rippled from the center of the hall. She couldn't decipher the letters that looked like no alphabet she had ever seen in her world.

Her eye was caught by the tall statue of an enchanting woman with long fluttering hair. She was wearing a flowy tunic that seemed to wave under an invisible breeze. Her slender figure was immortalized in a graceful movement that was almost inviting them to walk up the lavish staircase in front of them. 

Is that Teshbi? she wondered. 

The messengers led their visitors up the carpet-covered marble stairs that split in two and reconnected in front of a room that was almost as wide as the main hall below. Ash immediately guessed it was the throne room by the striking seat made of silver, gold, and purple velvet that stood tall by the opposite wall. 

The room itself had high ceilings and tall intricate stained glass that made the place luminous and inviting. The white walls were hung with tapestries depicting splendid landscapes that resembled some of the ones she had seen before landing in that enchanting place. 

A regal-looking woman probably in her fifties stood by the colored windows. She was wearing a long mantle made of white fur that was dotted with small specks of black. Underneath it was a long white tunic embroidered with golden motifs and adorned with an azure girdle made of silk. A golden crown was placed on top of her long curly silver hair. Her face brightened up as she saw the pair approaching. 

Nessia bowed her head. “Your Majesty.” She glanced to the side and saw Ash standing there, gaping at the sovereign. She elbowed her in the ribs. The sudden strike made Ash snap out of her daze.

“Ow! What?”

The nymph looked pointedly at her and gave a single downward shake of her head, wordlessly commanding her to bow too. 

Ash uttered a small “Oh,” and ducked in apology. She dipped hesitantly, not sure about how to properly greet their host. 

The queen gave the pair a warm smile that reached her gentle brown-green eyes. “Thank you Nessia, for bringing her safely to us.” The golden adornments in her hair glimmered as she turned to Ash. “Welcome to Atinama, esteemed Chosen One. I am Gidri, Queen of Joyia. And this is my daughter, Elnys.” 

Princess Elnys had long wavy wheat blonde hair that draped her ivory mantle. She wore a flattering silken mulberry dress that reached right under her knees. A corset made of white flannel fitted her thin waist perfectly. Her youthful face was topped by an ornate crown made of silver. Her sparkly green-blue eyes denoted both intelligence and mischief. 

“So cute!” Ash blurted out. 

The princess giggled and bit her pinky lower lip as she blushed. Nessia shut her eyes in embarrassment.  

Queen Gidri tilted her head and raised a brow. She continued, “Please, make yourself comfortable. Eat, drink, rest, and enjoy your time at the palace. We will take you to Teshbi in due time.” She turned to her daughter. “Elnys, make sure our honored guest has everything she needs.” 

“Certainly, Mother. Leave it with me.” Princess Elnys smiled winsomely at Ash. 

Nessia took her leave. The nymph narrowed her eyes at the princess before stepping out of the throne room. The young woman seemed a bit too enthusiastic about Ash’s presence. She eventually shrugged it off. It wasn’t her problem anymore. 

The princess excitedly showed Ash around the palace with servants in tow. There was the dining hall, the reception hall, the parlor, the library, the royal chambers, and the many guest rooms. 

The party reached Ash’s private chambers at the end of a long corridor. It looked like a suite from a luxury hotel with marble floors and a balcony offering a majestic sea view. It had its own private bath that looked more like an indoor pool. 

“My chambers are right around the corner. You can call for me directly if you need anything.” The princess’s green-blue eyes held her gaze with unsuppressed intensity. “Hospitality is a serious matter to us, Joyians. Even more so when our guest is the Chosen One.” 

The foreigner started to feel uneasy. “Please, Your errr… Your Highness? Just call me Ash,” she replied with a strained smile. 

The young royal chuckled and stepped closer. “In that case, just call me Elnys,” she cooed as she placed her hand on Ash’s forearm.  

The stranger gulped and staggered backward. 

Not sure fooling around with the princess on your first day in a dangerous magical land is a good idea. Plus, she’s way too young, she told herself. 

Ash was now cornered. She revved her brain into high gear, trying to find a way to get out of this tricky situation. 

They heard someone cough exaggeratedly behind them. They both looked toward the doorway. 

It was Nessia. 

Ash didn’t think she would ever be so glad to see the scornful nymph. 

“I’m sorry to interrupt, Your Highness. It looks like I got lost on my way back. The palace is so vast. Would you mind showing me the way out?” she asked with a terse smile. 

Elnys rushed to her with deference and led the honorable nymph to the exit. As she left the room, the youthful blonde looked over her shoulder and smiled playfully at her guest. From the doorway, Nessia stared at the newcomer with a look filled with suspicion.